Pool Too Cold to Swim This Memorial Day? A Solar Pool Heater Can Fix That
Memorial Day weekend is supposed to mark the start of pool season.
The grill is going. Friends and family are over. The pool is finally uncovered.
Then someone jumps in and immediately says:
“WOW… the water is freezing.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Across much of the country, Memorial Day weekend arrives before pool water has had enough time to naturally warm up. Even when daytime temperatures feel hot, pool water temperatures often remain stuck in the low 70s — or colder.
For many homeowners, that means the pool becomes more decoration than destination.
The good news? A properly designed solar pool heater can help you avoid another cold start to summer while dramatically reducing heating costs.
Why Pools Stay Cold Even When the Weather Feels Warm
Swimming pools lose heat constantly, especially overnight.
Even after a warm sunny day, your pool loses energy through:
- evaporation
- cool nighttime air
- wind exposure
- radiation loss
That’s why many pools still feel uncomfortable around Memorial Day unless they have a heating system.
Most people find pools comfortable around:
- 82°F to 86°F for recreational swimming
- warmer for young children or evening use
Without heating, many pools simply don’t reach those temperatures consistently until much later in the summer.
What Is a Solar Pool Heater?
A solar pool heater uses the sun’s energy to warm your pool water naturally.
Water from your pool circulates through specially designed solar collectors — typically mounted on a roof — where it absorbs heat before returning to the pool warmer than before.
Unlike gas heaters:
- there’s no fuel combustion
- no burner
- no large monthly heating bill
And unlike heat pumps:
- there’s no compressor running for hours every day
- no major electrical demand increase
Instead, solar pool heating takes advantage of the free solar energy already hitting your roof.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar pool heating is one of the most cost-effective solar technologies available.
How Much Warmer Can Solar Pool Heating Make Your Pool?
A properly sized solar pool heating system can typically maintain water temperatures approximately:
- 10°F to 15°F warmer than an unheated pool
That difference can completely transform your swimming season.
Instead of waiting until July for comfortable water temperatures, many homeowners begin swimming comfortably much earlier in the season and continue later into fall.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Solar Pool Heating
Extremely Low Operating Cost
After installation, solar pool heating systems cost very little to operate because they use free energy from the sun.
Compared to gas heating, homeowners can often save thousands of dollars over the life of the system.
Extend Your Swim Season
Solar pool heating helps homeowners:
- start swimming earlier
- keep pools warmer during spring
- continue swimming later into fall
For many families, that means getting significantly more use from their backyard investment.
Environmentally Friendly
Solar pool heating produces heat without burning fossil fuels.
That means:
- lower emissions
- quieter operation
- lower energy consumption
Automatic Operation
Modern systems operate automatically using solar controls and motorized valves.
When solar heat is available:
- the system sends water through the collectors
When conditions are not favorable:
- the system bypasses the solar collectors automatically
You simply enjoy the pool.
Is Solar Pool Heating Better Than Gas or Heat Pumps?
For many homeowners, solar pool heating offers the best long-term value.
Gas Heaters
Gas heaters heat quickly, but they often come with:
- high fuel costs
- rising utility bills
- shorter lifespan
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can be efficient, but:
- still consume substantial electricity
- heat slowly
- become less effective in cooler weather
Solar Pool Heating
Solar pool heating provides:
- the lowest operating cost
- excellent long-term ROI
- reliable seasonal heating
- quiet operation
That’s why many homeowners view solar as the ideal primary heating solution for everyday pool use.
Memorial Day Was Cold. Next Summer Doesn’t Have to Be.
If your family avoided the pool this Memorial Day because the water was too cold, now is actually the perfect time to start planning for next season.
Installing a solar pool heater now allows you to:
- maximize savings this summer
- enjoy warmer water sooner next year
- extend your overall swim season
And because summer is when homeowners experience the frustration firsthand, it’s also when many people begin researching:
- “best pool heater”
- “how to heat a pool cheaply”
- “solar pool heater near me”
Choosing the Right Solar Pool Heating System Matters
Not all solar pool heating systems are equal.
Performance depends heavily on:
- proper sizing
- hydraulic efficiency
- collector design
- installation quality
An undersized system may not provide enough heat, while poorly designed systems can reduce efficiency and increase wear on pool equipment.
A qualified solar pool heating professional should evaluate:
- pool surface area
- desired swim season
- local climate
- roof orientation
- shading
- plumbing configuration
Find a Solar Pool Heating Dealer Near You
Aquatherm Industries manufactures high-performance solar pool heating systems designed to help homeowners enjoy warmer pools with minimal operating cost.
If your pool was too cold to enjoy this Memorial Day, now is the perfect time to learn how solar pool heating can change your entire swim season.
Ready for a warmer pool?
Visit Aquatherm’s dealer locator to connect with a professional solar pool heating installer in your area.
